Apple Danish Two Ways: Indulgent Variations to Try

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Apple Danish Two Ways offers a delightful twist on a classic pastry that combines flaky layers and sweet fillings. These two variations use simple ingredients like crescent rolls and puff pastry to create a warm, comforting treat perfect for breakfast or dessert. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick and easy option or a more decadent classic, these recipes will satisfy your cravings. Let’s dive into the delicious world of Apple Danish!

Why You’ll Love This Apple Danish Two Ways

This Apple Danish Two Ways recipe is a dream come true for pastry lovers. Here are a few reasons why you’ll adore it:

Quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy mornings or unexpected guests.
Versatile options using either crescent rolls or puff pastry, allowing for different textures and flavors.
Perfect for any occasion, from brunch to a cozy dessert after dinner.
Can be customized with various fillings, such as cream cheese or caramel sauce.
Easy Apple Danish desserts that look beautiful on any table.
Homemade Apple Danish ideas that are sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients for Apple Danish Two Ways

Gather these items:

2 tubes refrigerated crescent rolls (8 total triangles; each tube yields 4 rectangles)
570 g canned apple pie filling
28 g butter, melted
50 g granulated sugar
8 g ground cinnamon
60 g powdered sugar
5 ml vanilla extract
10–15 ml milk
1 box (490 g) puff pastry, thawed
226 g cream cheese, softened
67 g granulated sugar
1 egg yolk, room temperature
5 ml fresh lemon juice
1 whole egg, beaten (for egg wash)
30 ml water (for egg wash)
60 g powdered sugar (for glaze)
2.5 ml vanilla extract (for glaze)
15 ml milk (for glaze)
5 Granny Smith apples, cored, peeled, diced (if making filling from scratch)
354 ml water
150 g granulated sugar
32 g cornstarch
8 g ground cinnamon
15 ml fresh lemon juice

How to Make Apple Danish Two Ways Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment or lightly grease it with non-stick spray. Open cans of crescent rolls and separate them into 4 rectangles per tube. Pinch seams to seal triangles together as rectangles.
Step 2: Brush each rectangle with melted butter. In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle generously over the dough. Roll each rectangle lengthwise into a log and coil into a spiral shape, tucking the end underneath. Use fingers to make a well in the centre of each spiral.
Step 3: Divide apple pie filling into 8 portions and add 2–3 tablespoons to the centre of each well. Sprinkle remaining cinnamon sugar across the tops. Bake for 16–18 minutes until golden brown. Remove and allow to cool.
Step 4: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. Drizzle glaze over slightly cooled pastries before serving.
Step 5: Preheat the oven to 220°C. If making apple filling from scratch: In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, whisking continuously. Reduce to simmer until thick, then stir in diced apples, cover, and simmer for 8–10 minutes until tender.
Step 6: In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Incorporate sugar, egg yolk, lemon juice, and vanilla, mixing until silky.
Step 7: Unfold puff pastry and cut each sheet into 6 squares. For a twisted border effect: fold a square into a triangle and trim edges, leaving a 2.5 cm border; unfold, then twist opposite corners to form a pocket.
Step 8: Spoon 1 tablespoon of cream cheese filling into each pocket. Top with 1–2 tablespoons apple pie filling. Brush visible pastry with egg wash. Bake for 12–14 minutes at 220°C until golden and crisp. Cool slightly on a wire rack.
Step 9: Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled pastries before serving.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Apple Danish Two Ways

Keep these in mind:

Use fresh apples for a more vibrant flavor in your filling.
Experiment with different spices, such as nutmeg or cardamom, for a unique twist.
For a richer glaze, add a splash of heavy cream to your powdered sugar mix.

Best Ways to Serve Apple Danish Two Ways

For delightful Apple Danish variations, consider:

Serving warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Drizzling with caramel sauce for an indulgent twist.
Pairing with fresh fruit to balance the sweetness.

How to Store and Reheat Apple Danish Two Ways

To store your Apple Danish, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat in a preheated oven at 180°C for 5-10 minutes until warm. This method keeps the pastry crispy and delicious!

Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Danish Two Ways

What’s the secret to perfect Apple Danish Two Ways?

The secret lies in using quality ingredients, ensuring your pastry is cold when baking, and not overfilling your Danish. This will ensure a flaky texture while keeping the filling intact.

Can I make Apple Danish Two Ways ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the Danish in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Bake them just before serving for the freshest taste.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Apple Danish Two Ways?

Ensure your oven is preheated and avoid overworking the dough. If using fresh apples, make sure to slice them thinly for even cooking and flavor distribution.

Variations of Apple Danish Two Ways You Can Try

Feel free to experiment with:

Apple Danish with Cinnamon and Sugar: A classic flavor profile that enhances the sweet apple filling.
Apple Danish with Fresh Apples and Almonds: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
Quick Apple Danish for Busy Mornings: Use pre-made dough and fillings for a fast breakfast treat.

Delicious Apple Danish Two Ways with flaky pastry and apple filling

Freshly baked Apple Danish Two Ways served with glaze

For more delicious recipes, check out this cinnamon spiced veggie loaf or gingerbread cheesecake cookies. You might also enjoy this easy Greek chili chicken recipe for a savory option.

For a sweet treat, try this baked garlic chicken meatloaf that pairs well with your Apple Danish.